NATO Summit
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Good men don't make a good army, says Col. Abdul Wakil Warzajy, a commander.Meet the Afghan army20 May 2012 2040 GMTThere's a lot of talk about who is leaving Afghanistan, but what about who is staying? When NATO leavs the country in less than three years, the country's security will fall to the Afghan National Army.AP reporter Kathy Gannon and photographer Anja Niedringhaus have been traveling with Afghan army forces in Logar and Paktia provinces. They're hearing a mix of messages from dozens of officers and enlisted men.But one strong theme emerged: The soldiers say they feel disrespected by being given inferior equipment."It's only two months old and it is falling apart, and we are told it is supposed to last one year," says one soldier of his boots.They don't have night-vision goggles and say their M16s jam."An army is an army that is completely equipped."
Afghan National Army soldiers march at their base in Logar province, eastern Afghanistan, last Wednesday. (AP photo/Anja Niedringhaus) -
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Color-coded enforcement20 May 2012 2050 GMTNot all law enforcement is made equal. But only the observant may notice. Some members of Chicago's police department wear blue shirts and others wear white, with a very good reason.It's a direct result of one of the most chaotic events in Chicago history: The 1968 Democratic National Convention. During that convention, patrolmen and the sergeants all wore blue. That meant that when skirmishes broke out and tear gas started filling the air, it was difficult to tell who was in charge and who should be giving the orders.Jim Maurer, a patrolman at the time who retired in 2005 as chief of patrol, says the department was widely criticized because it appeared to the outside world there was a lack of supervisors on thescene. He also says that while patrolmen recognized their own sergeants, in the chaos they sometimes could not find them and could not distinguish other sergeants from patrolmen.So now officers wear blue and sergeants wear white.By Don Babwin in Chicago
Two police sergeants - wearing white - talk to police officers, all wearing blue. For now, the horses go au naturel. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast) -
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20 May 2012 2057 GMTStanding at attention
British Prime Minister David Cameron, U.S. Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta, President Barack Obama, NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen, and Ambassador Alexander Vershbow stand during the opening session at the NATO Summit. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)
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20 May 2012 2059 GMTDispatch from France
The economy is the big issue in France, so the NATO summit has taken a backseat to the G-8 gathering that wrapped up Saturday and included new French President Francois Hollande.
But Le Figaro newspaper reports that Hollande will face pressure by his NATO allies to back down from his campaign pledge to withdraw the 3,400 French troops from Afghanistan by the end of 2012. The military alliance has pledged to hand control to Afghan troops in 2014.
"There will be no rush for the exits," NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen said at the summit. "Our goal, our strategy, our timetable remain unchanged."
By Thomas Adamson in Paris -
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Chicago law enforcement: The blue period20 May 2012 2116 GMTAs we posted a bit ago, Chicago police officers wear blue and sergeants wear white in a tradition sprung from the chaos of the 1968 Democratic National Convention in the city. That's when everyone wore blue, which made it difficult to determine whose orders to follow when fighting broke out. Here's a look at the blue days of Chicago law enforcement from nearly 44 years ago.
Chicago police officers stand outside the International Amphitheater in Chicago, Illinois, on Aug. 20,1968, days ahead of the start of the 1968 Democratic National Convention. (AP Photo)
Chicago police officer Cress Mann stands outside the International Amphitheater in Chicago, Illinois, on Aug. 20, 1968. The 1968 Democratic National Convention convened one week later. (AP Photo)
Days after the above pictures were taken, protests broke out. In this Aug. 26, 1968 photo, Chicago police officers confront a demonstrator on the ground at Grant Park in Chicago during the Democratic National Convention. You can't tell in this black-and-white picture, but all the law enforcement officers were wearing blue. (AP Photo) -
20 May 2012 2120 GMTMarch down Michigan Avenue
Thousands march to the lakeside convention center hosting the two-day NATO summit meeting. But the crowd was mostly filled with protesters whose primary concerns have little to do with the discussions at the summit.
Protesters march down Michigan Ave. in Chicago during Sunday's NATO summit. (AP Photo/Seth Perlman)
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20 May 2012 2125 GMTTrying to get the story
It's not that easy for anyone to get around Chicago today -- even President Barack Obama's press pool. AP's Julie Pace reports: "First, the helicopter we were supposed to take from O'Hare to the city couldn't get airborne so we were rushed into a backup chopper that was waiting nearby. Next, members of Obama's traveling press got left behind in the presidential motorcade as he headed to the NATO meetings. The van carrying press from the wire services stalled out as soon as our driver tried to take off. We were hustled back into the president's hotel while White House staff scrambled to get us another van." -
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20 May 2012 2140 GMTJackson joins the protest, rallies vetsThe Rev. Jesse Jackson is participating in the protests surrounding the NATO summit, calling for nonviolent demonstrations. Here's some views of him today.
The Rev. Jesse Jackson pauses before speaking at a rally during the NATO summit Sunday. (AP
Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
Jackson leads a group U.S. war
veterans during a protest march. (AP Photo/Seth
Perlman)
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20 May 2012 2152 GMTSnapshots of protest
Some protesters are getting tired, sitting in the street at the
intersection of Michigan and Cernak while the march is stopped and war
veterans are speaking. (AP Photo/Ryan J. Foley)by David Scott on May 20, 2012 at 5:11 PM via email
Protesters yell at police: "I don't see a riot here. Take off your riot gear." The chanting started after officers handcuffed a man in a black ski mask and took him into custody, for unclear reasons. that are not clear. Protesters wearing bandanas chased after him while officers in helmets and riot gear moved in. "Let him go!" They chanted. (AP Photo/Ryan J. Foley)by David Scott on May 20, 2012 at 5:45 PM via email
A clown is attended to by a medic who put lavender on his pulse points. To the right, a smiling Chicago police officer surveys the crowd. (AP Photo/Carla K. Johnson)by Carla Johnson on May 20, 2012 at 4:56 PM via email -
Meet the press...20 May 2012 2203 GMT
Here's how much of the NATO summit gets covered: by journalists sitting in a press filing center at McCormick Place, watching the meetings behind held in the same building on TV. (AP Photo/Julie Pace)by JPace on May 20, 2012 at 3:11 PM via email -
Some reasons NATO isn't getting involved in Syria20 May 2012 2205 GMTWe reported earlier that Syria is not on the NATO agenda and there is little appetite to intervene there. Now we should talk a little about why that is, given that NATO recently intervened in Libya to help rebels push out a long-time dictator.Despite some similarities in both country's uprisings, NATO has taken a different approach in each case. Two of the many reasons: Syria's key location in the Middle East and the relatively complex religious mix of its people.
by Peter Prengaman on May 20, 2012 at 5:51 PM
by Peter Prengaman on May 20, 2012 at 5:52 PM -
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One march, many causes20 May 2012 2213 GMTIt seems everyone with a cause is part of the NATO summit protest in Chicago:
- Anti-war protesters calling for an end to the war in Afghanistan.
- Environmentalists angry about climate change.
- Nurses upset about cutbacks in spending on health care for the poor.
- Union members worried that their collective bargaining rights are being attacked.
- Undocumented immigrants calling for reform.
- Students who say they can't afford to repay college loans.
By Tammy Weber in Chicago -
Up close: Protesters and police clash20 May 2012 2217 GMTIt's the end of the NATO march and protesters and police are fighting. Our reporters are seeing a large crowd of protesters pushing against a line of police dressed in riot gear, blue helmets and face shields. Some of the officers are striking out at the crowd with batons. Members of the crowd are throwing large sticks, liquids and bottles at the police.by Tammy Weber and Sophia Tareen
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Crowds in Chicago20 May 2012 2221 GMTHere's a look at the protest march that lasted some three hours and is now ending with demonstrators clashing with police.
Demonstrators head towards Michigan Ave. in Chicago during a protest march as a part of this weekend's NATO summit. (AP Photo/Seth Perlman)
More demonstrators heading to Michigan Ave. during the NATO protest march. (AP Photo/Kim Johnson Flodin) -
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Protests outside, work begins inside20 May 2012 2227 GMT
Amid all the protests outside, NATO leaders begin their summit. From left, Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta, President Barack Obama, and NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen, attend the opening session of the North Atlantic Council at the NATO Summit. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais) -
20 May 2012 2231 GMTCrowd control
Illinois state police stand guard at Michigan Ave. and 21st St. (AP Photo/Robert Ray)by rray on May 20, 2012 at 5:45 PM via email
Illinois state police stand guard at Michigan Ave. and 21st St. (AP Photo/Robert Ray)by rray on May 20, 2012 at 5:32 PM via email
Illinois state police in riot gear stand guard with a canine unit. (AP Photo/Robert Ray)by rray on May 20, 2012 at 5:49 PM via email -
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Up Close: Still clashing, but quieting down20 May 2012 2306 GMTSome 200 protesters are still confronting police on Cermak Road in Chicago. Our reporters say demonstrators are refusing to move away from a deep line of officers who are keeping them from moving west. There are many other protesters on the sidewalk who are not directly confronting officers.Here's some video showing protesters standing, with no confrontations with officers.You can't hear it in the video - but our reporters say that police are issuing warnings in several languages, including English, Spanish and Polish.
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Protesters disperse -- for the moment, at least20 May 2012 2328 GMTIn the last few minutes, even some of the most stubborn protesters seem to be leaving -- for now. One man leaving told police, "I ain't done yet. I'll be back for round two." He refused to give his name.
By Ryan J. Foley in Chicago
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AP Coverage: NATO Summit Live back Monday20 May 2012 2333 GMTToday's work is largely done at the NATO Summit, so The Associated Press is pausing NATO Summit Live for tonight. We'll be back at 1200 GMT Monday morning to continue giving you a moment-to-moment online feed of this historic event. We promise more photos, video and words that will put you right back into the middle of the story.
President Barack Obama, center, and Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen, waves with other leaders during the NATO family photo at the NATO Summit. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)by Jaime Holguin on May 20, 2012 at 6:42 PM -
AP NATO Summit Live: We're back21 May 2012 1200 GMTThe NATO Summit in Chicago enters its second day and The Associated Press is back with its NATO Summit Live. World leaders are continuing their meeting, ringed by protesters with many agendas, and AP journalists are putting you right in the moment with photos, video and words. We promise more context, more facts and more play-by-play on day two of NATO Summit Live. We hope you enjoy.
From left to right, French President Francois Hollande, President Barack Obama, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen smile during the NATO "family photo" Sunday at Soldier Field in Chicago. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais) -
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Chicago commute: Calm or crazy?21 May 2012 1207 GMTThis morning's commute in Chicago may be chaotic, or it may be just another day. For weeks, commuters have been warned of anticipated traffic problems today. Part of a major highway will be closed, along with a stretch of the city's renowned Lake Shore Drive. Also, motorcades for the heads of state will be headed back to O'Hare International Airport, causing major slowdowns.Many downtown Chicago companies have allowed employees to work from home on Monday. They include Boeing Co., Aon and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois. Some bank branches and state offices will be closed as well.By Sophia Tareen in Chicago
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Hand meets face21 May 2012 1212 GMT
A Chicago police officer confronts a protester during a march at the NATO Summit in Chicago on Sunday. Thousands of protesters - with many different agendas - marched to the site of the NATO Summit, in what became one of the city's largest protests in years. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast) -
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NATO examines its future in Afghanistan21 May 2012 1221 GMT
"This will not be a combat mission."
- NATO in a statement issued this morning, on the alliance's presence in Afghanistan. NATO directed a review of the need for continued military support there after ground forces depart and the war ends in 2014. The alliance said it would "continue to provide strong and long-term political and practical support" to the government of Afghanistan and would "train, advise and assist" the Afghan military. -
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NATO Summit: The story so far
21 May 2012 1233 GMTAP Washington's Julie Pace is with President Barack Obama and covering the NATO Summit in Chicago today. As things get going, she writes that the conference takes place against an uneasy backdrop:So far in the two-day NATO conference, the leaders have voiced hope that a decade of war in Afghanistan will give way to a decade of transition to peace and stability, aided by the U.S. and its allies.
But hard realities intrude.
Some NATO countries, most recently France, have sought to end their combat commitments early. The Taliban and its allies have warned that they are waiting to fill the void in Afghanistan after NATO leaves. And with alliance forces _ the bulk of which are American _ still committed to many more months of fighting, the sacrifices are far from over.
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Room to spread out, even at rush hour21 May 2012 1241 GMT
Early trains on the Metra commuter service and Chicago's iconic "L," normally packed with commuters, had plenty of room for stretching out this morning. Many companies heeded official advice and let their workers stay home for the day, (AP Photo/Michael Tarm).by JKeyser on May 21, 2012 at 8:30 AM via email -
Medal toss21 May 2012 1245 GMTDuring the NATO Summit-related protests Sunday, several military veterans threw away their medals. They gave varying reasons - from believing they were deceived about their missions to feeling guilty about killing others to wanting to voice their opinion against the war in Afghanistan. As one Iraq vet said in an earlier post, tossing his medal is "a continuation of my service."
A war veteran throws his medal towards the McCormick Place, site of this weekends NATO summit, during a rally in Chicago on Sunday. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
A couple of war veterans smile before tossing their medals towards McCormick Place. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast) -
Brownbaggers leave it at home21 May 2012 1250 GMT
Search dogs monitor the Millenium Station Metra stop. Trains are emptier than usual, and commuters who did make the trip said the main hassle was a ban on food and drinks on trains. "Now I have to buy my lunch. They are making me spend money," says Pete Dimaggio. (AP Photo/Ryan J. Foley)by Lori Hinnant edited by Lori Hinnant 8:48 AM -
Pakistan's invite21 May 1300 GMTThe reason's behind Pakistan's invite to the NATO Summit are complicated. Sebastian Abbot, Pakistan correspondent, examines this:NATO invited Pakistan to the summit in Chicago assuming the government was close to reopening the route through the country used to transport supplies to coalition troops in neighboring Afghanistan.Despite NATO’s hope, negotiations over the supply route have been complicated by Pakistan’s demands for much higher fees per container than previously paid. President Barack Obama is not scheduled to meet with Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari during the summit, an indication of the White House’s frustration that the supply line remains closed.
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NATO on Syria: Concern grows, UN plan backed21 May 2012 1323 GMTSunday's summit declaration made clear that the violence in Syria is a growing worry, but that NATO supports the U.N. peace plan to resolve it. In short, NATO has no plans to get involved.Meanwhile, the crisis in Syria continues. AP verified amateur video posted online by activists on Monday shows shelling in a Homs neighborhood, the birthplace of the uprising that has seen continuous bloodshed and snipers in Hama.
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